A comprehensive new study has revealed a troubling state of low job motivation among health professionals in Ethiopia, a situation that poses significant risks to healthcare quality and patient safety. The meta-analysis, which combined data from nearly 4,000 health workers across the country, found that only 44% considered themselves well motivated to perform their duties.

Key factors undermining motivation include low wages, inadequate benefits, and challenging working environments, common in many low-income settings like Ethiopia. Experts warn that this lack of motivation contributes directly to decreased efficiency, poor service quality, increased absenteeism, and high staff turnover within health facilities nationwide.

The study highlights dangerous behaviors that may arise from demotivated workers, such as neglecting patient care and irregular financial dealings, actions that erode public trust in the health system.

Job satisfaction emerged as the strongest predictor of motivation, with satisfied health workers nearly four times more likely to be motivated. Those working in better-resourced facilities were also roughly three times as motivated. Access to training and professional development significantly boosted motivation levels, with those who received training 2.6 times more likely to feel motivated.

These findings underscore systemic vulnerabilities and call for urgent reforms focused on improving working conditions, remuneration, and capacity building. Enhancing health worker motivation is essential not only for maintaining high standards of patient care but also for safeguarding public confidence in Ethiopia’s healthcare system going forward.

A major new partnership between international water and sanitation organization Aqua for All and Bunna Bank aims to transform access to clean water and sanitation services by addressing Ethiopia’s significant financing gap in the WASH sector. The joint initiative introduces a consolidated lending facility designed to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 by mobilizing more than 330 million birr in blended finance.

This strategic move signifies a shift from prior programs focused mainly on micro and small financial institutions to engaging commercial banks, enabling the attraction of large-scale private capital. Aqua for All’s capital, combined with 75% of Bunna Bank’s resources, underpins this innovative financing model that reduces investment risks and empowers local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand and attract further investment.

Scheduled to run until 2029, the partnership seeks to transition WASH service provision from being solely a government or charity responsibility into a sustainable business opportunity. Empowerment of women and girls forms a core focus area, integrating gender equality with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts to maximize impact.

Since 2019, Aqua for All has successfully expanded improved water and sanitation access across Africa and Asia, with Ethiopia as a critical focus. The new blended finance program builds on this experience, strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to develop specialized lending products that cater to the unique challenges of the WASH sector.

Wegagen Capital Investment Bank (WCIB), Ethiopia’s first licensed private investment bank, announced plans to expand its services into wealth and portfolio management, alongside launching environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-aligned and Shariah-compliant financial products. This strategic move marks a new phase in WCIB’s commitment to fostering a diverse, modern, and inclusive capital market in Ethiopia.

In its first public performance report for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, WCIB highlighted its rapid development since launching operations in March 2025 with a paid-up capital of 385 million birr. The bank has already established itself as a key player in Ethiopia’s financial transformation, notably playing an instrumental role as the inaugural trading member of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) during its live trading launch.

Aklilu Wubet, Chairperson of WCIB’s Board, described the initial period as a testament to the bank’s institutional strength and its foundational role in Ethiopia’s emerging capital market. The bank’s opening services include facilitating private placements for growth-oriented companies, offering advisory services for public share sales, and corporate advisory on share registration and restructuring.

To date, WCIB has opened 37 investment accounts serving clients across banking, real estate, and insurance sectors, signaling strong market acceptance. CEO Brutawit Dawit noted the bank’s focus on building sustainable, long-term growth foundations, reflected in a revenue of 7.9 million birr against operational costs of 22.4 million birr during this early phase.

Strategic investments include fixed assets, comprehensive staff training, and the recruitment of experienced foreign professionals to address Ethiopia’s limited domestic expertise. Robust internal compliance and risk management frameworks have been established, aligned with national regulations.

Looking ahead, WCIB’s management expressed confidence in achieving profitability next financial year, buoyed by strong initial performance and an expanding client base. The bank’s strategic priorities are well positioned to leverage Ethiopia’s promising economic growth, projected at 6.6% for 2024/25 and 8.4% for 2025/26, which drives demand for innovative financing solutions.

Aligned with market forecasts indicating capital market growth from 537 billion birr to over 959 billion birr by 2028—and over 500 million birr mobilized for climate investment in 2024 alone—WCIB plans to capitalize on domestic and diaspora savings. This includes developing institutional investment products, bringing international expertise to local markets, and forging strategic partnerships regionally and internationally.

Brutawit emphasized, “WCIB is more than a financial institution; it is committed to unlocking opportunities, shaping a vibrant capital market, and laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.” Despite challenges inherent to an emerging sector, the bank’s trajectory is vital to Ethiopia’s broader economic transformation.

WCIB’s paid-up capital stood at 385 million birr at licensing in March 2025, with current assets reported at approximately 387.8 million birr and liabilities of 374.8 million birr, underscoring a solid financial base for future expansion.